EMIL'S HOME COMFORTS

Russian icon Emil Sayfutdinov admits getting a taste of being
a home hero was “an amazing feeling” when he claimed Monster
Energy SON gold.

14 / 04 / 2020, 12:37

Russian icon Emil Sayfutdinov admits getting a taste of being a home hero was “an amazing feeling” when he claimed the Monster Energy FIM Speedway of Nations world title last summer.

The Salavat-born star led his country to gold alongside Artem Laguta and Gleb Chugunov last July – retaining the trophy they won in Wroclaw in 2018.

Now I know how that feeling is – being a Polish rider in Warsaw, Wroclaw or Torun … when all the people support you. It’s a really nice feeling.

Emil Sayfutdinov

Russia’s victory in Poland was their first senior speedway world title win of any kind – adding to the country’s years of success in ice racing events. But retaining the crown in his homeland was also an unforgettable moment for Sayfutdinov.

The Polish-based racer his criss-crossed Europe for over a decade to represent his country, but that was the first time he had raced for a world title on home soil.

Sayfutdinov admits the ovation he received from the fans after his Monster Energy SON triumph will live with him forever.

“It was an amazing feeling,” he said. “The whole stadium was supporting us and that was amazing. Now I know how that feeling is – being a Polish rider in Warsaw, Wroclaw or Torun … when all the people support you. It’s a really nice feeling.

“Some riders don’t have the support like the Polish, Swedish or British riders get when they race at home, so for sure it was so good to have that night in Russia.”

Russia launch their Monster Energy SON title defence in Russian-speaking city Daugavpils – just across the Latvian border – on September 26 after Semi-Final 2 was delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Sayfutdinov is waiting to hear who will be managing the side after former leader Andrei Savin passed away last year. But he is hopeful the Russians can track an unchanged line up.

He said: “We don’t know who will be our new manager. I don’t know anything about that for the moment. Everything has changed – all the work was done by Savin. I don’t know what plans they have so we just need to wait.

“But we want to go with the same team and fight for another title. We have a really good team. We will see.”

GREG HANCOCK'S TOP 10 SGP WINS

In honour of American icon Greg Hancock’s 50th birthday on
Wednesday, SpeedwayGP.com editor Paul Burbidge picks out his
top 10 SGP wins.

06 / 06 / 2020, 12:26

HAMPEL UP FOR LUBLIN PLAY-OFF FIGHT

Former world No.2 Jaroslaw Hampel insisted it was Lublin’s
desire to race for the PGE Ekstraliga play-offs sealed his
loan switch.

05 / 06 / 2020, 10:16

IVERSEN EYES GOOD TIMES WITH GORZOW

Danish star Niels-Kristian Iversen hopes to enjoy “even more
good times” with Gorzow as he returns for 2020.

HALF-CENTURY FOR SGP HERO HANCOCK

COOK TO MISS 2020 SEASON?

GB's Craig Cook hinted that he may sit out 2020 after the
coronavirus pandemic prompted Glasgow to withdraw from this
season's Championship.

02 / 06 / 2020, 10:19

2020 ADRIAN FLUX BRITISH SGP CANCELLED

We regret to announce that the 2020 Adrian Flux British FIM
Speedway Grand Prix in Cardiff has been cancelled.

01 / 06 / 2020, 13:00

SMOLINSKI'S STEEL AFTER SURGERY

Martin Smolinski revealed he needed all his mental steel to
get through a traumatic first night in hospital as he
recovers
from hip surgery.

31 / 05 / 2020, 11:07

WATCH MELBOURNE 2016 REPLAY TONIGHT

Enjoy more SGP action on @SpeedwayGP Facebook and YouTube
tonight as we replay the 2016 Australian SGP in Melbourne
from
18:00 UK/19:00 CET.

30 / 05 / 2020, 11:01

Series Partners

Event Partners

Series Suppliers

E-NEWS SIGNUP

By ticking the box(es) below you consent to that party using your contact details to keep you informed by email about its or other similar products, services and content. You may withdraw your consent at any time, as set out in our Privacy Notice